I am writing to respond to Kelly Egan’s column “Let Politicians Lose Faith” (Oct. 23). Over the last several months, I have met with staff at the Salvation Army to address growing concerns about safety issues on George Street. In light of the recent homicide, I spoke out publicly about my diminished faith in the Salvation Army’s ability to provide a safe environment.

To set the record straight when it comes to emergency shelters, I have faith that shelters are equipped to respond to a wide variety of high-risk complex needs on a short-term basis, that they are a vital resource offering short-term emergency refuge to our most vulnerable population. Though the issues are complex, it is important not to confuse the subject at hand. I am concerned (like many members of the community) that accessing the services at the Salvation Army on George Street is unsafe. I have lost faith in the ability of the Salvation Army to assure the safety of the people who are accessing the services.

Although shelters have historically been church-based organizations offering emergency housing, they have since evolved into established, coordinated professional organizations that are funded by the city through the province. As a city-funded service provider, the Salvation Army has a responsibility to ensure the safety of its clients and the community.

The mounting issues surrounding the Salvation Army (especially pertaining to the open drug activity) threaten the safety of the clients and the greater community. While many aspects of the situation (addictions and mental health) are complex in nature, it is vital for the community to work together to identify workable solutions, which include addressing the safety and behavioural issues on the street. I believe that the clients of the Salvation Army deserve safe access to services and that those living and working in the area deserve a safe community.

The challenge involves identifying responsibility. No matter if the source of the issues is the Salvation Army, City of Ottawa Social Services or Ottawa Police Services, responsibility can be misconstrued. It can be easy to confuse the situation, assuming that any person standing on the sidewalk near the Salvation Army is a client.

This confusion is an important aspect in identifying solutions. By taking the lead in protecting their clients in a monitored designated smoking area, the Salvation Army would benefit by effectively identifying their stake in the issue on George Street and allow the community stakeholders to take responsibility for theirs. While this issue is likely not the responsibility of a singular organization, by taking the lead in properly identifying and protecting their clients from the addiction vultures along the east end of George Street, the Salvation Army can identify the need for other organizations, such as the Ottawa Police, to step up and participate in addressing the issues.

The Salvation Army has offered to provide 24-hour security services on its property. While this is commendable, an effort of this nature should be permanent and coordinated amongst the stakeholders. It cannot only be a short-term response that would simply push the issues further down the street. These increased security measures can improve the situation, but ultimately, the Ottawa Police are responsible for public safety. Police need to respond more consistently to the open drug activity that occurs daily on this block beyond putting the onus on the residents and businesses to report them.

Ultimately, the Salvation Army needs to ensure that the community and its clients are safely accessing services by working with partners on the street and engaging the Ottawa Polices to commit ongoing resources. This need applies throughout the ByWard Market, especially at George and Cumberland streets.

Thank you to all of those who have reached out, commented and provided ideas about the situation. The issues are complex and we need a more collaborative and inclusive solution.

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